Luckily, there are precautions you can take before these hot-weather maladies ruin your day. Everybody knows that mosquito repellent and sunscreen are a must this time of year. But did you know that something as simple as the foods you eat can give you an extra layer of protection?

Humans didn’t always have access to harsh chemicals like the ones in sunscreen and medicine. Natural remedies have been used for centuries as a barrier between the body and illness. Food is one of these natural remedies, and you can still use them in the modern day. While your summer won’t be any less sweaty, it will be a whole lot safer.

Aloe Vera

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Yes, aloe is also a food! Commonly used in juices and smoothies, the soothing compound can be applied directly on sunburns for instant relief.

Bananas

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During summertime, food spoils more quickly and bacteria grow more often on kitchen tools and appliances. Once you’re afflicted with a food-borne illness, nausea and stomach pain can hit pretty hard. To help ease back into eating, simple carbohydrates (such as the ones in bananas) are a good call.

Chile peppers

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They might make you sweat, but these potent peppers could be your new best friend during the muggy summer months. Chile peppers contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness of the pepper, which also acts as an irritant for many species — including mosquitos. After you eat it, the bugs will sense the pepper in your scent and steer clear.

Oatmeal

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This soothing ingredient is used in many skincare products, and with good reason. The compounds in oatmeal relieve many types of skin discomfort, including itch from heat rash or bug bites and pain from sunburns.

Potatoes

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These starchy mounds are good to have at your cookout for more than just French fries. Rub these spuds on your skin and you may experience instant sunburn relief. According to Liana Bonadio from NutriCentre, potatoes “can help to reduce the pain and help accelerate healing.”